Q is for Quests #atozchallenge

[Image by Vassil, Public Domain]

Today I'm continuing with the Blogging from A-Z Challenge hosted by Arlee Bird and his team of awesome bloggers. My theme is: Elements and features of speculative fiction and entertainment. So throughout April I will be blogging about characters, objects and themes that appear in sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian series. Today's post is all about Quests.



Quests have featured in the mythology and legend of many cultures for centuries and are used frequently as a plot device in fantasy literature. The hero must embark upon a difficult journey (whether literal or metaphorical)  to reach a goal or claim a prize of some kind. Usually they must travel a great distance in order to do so, with some allies accompanying them. This allows the author to describe interesting and exotic scenery (mountain rages, caves, turbulent oceans etc.) and showcase different cultures and perhaps fantasy creatures that inhabit these places.

O is for Ogres and Giants #atozchallenge

[By Émile Bayard, Public Domain]

Today I'm continuing with the Blogging from A-Z Challenge hosted by Arlee Bird and his team of awesome bloggers. My theme is: Elements and features of speculative fiction and entertainment. So throughout April I will be blogging about characters, objects and themes that appear in sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian series. Today's post is all about Ogres and giants.



Ogres are large, hideous monsters from mythology and folklore with  a penchant for devouring humans (particularly children). They were often described in fairy tales to scare children into obedience. The word ogre is French, but there are a lot of different possibilities as to where the myth comes from. Some say it is based on early descriptions of Neanderthals, or possibly on the real-life crimes of Gilles de Rais (a prolific child serial killer also thought to have inspired the Bluebeard fairytale).

I is for Immortality #atozchallenge

['Stock-Immortal', modelled by Mahafsoun,
photographed by Mirza Fatick]

Today I'm continuing with the Blogging from A-Z Challenge hosted by Arlee Bird and his team of awesome bloggers. My theme is: Elements and features of speculative fiction and entertainment. So throughout April I will be blogging about characters, objects and themes that appear in sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian series. Today's post is all about Immortality.


Immortality means endless life or endurance. It has always been a common theme in literature as it explores humanity's deep-seated fears and comprehension of its own mortality. It frequently occurs in fantasy and sci-fi fiction, as it is often the aim of the villain or dark forces to gain eternal life, and the role of the protagonist to stop them from achieving it.

E is for Elves #atozchallenge

[Dovahkiin 1 modelled by Mirish on DA,
photography by Magda Lindblom]

Today I'm continuing with the Blogging from A-Z Challenge hosted by Arlee Bird and his team of awesome bloggers. My theme is: Elements and features of speculative fiction and entertainment. So throughout April I will be blogging about characters, objects and themes that appear in sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian series. Today's post is all about Elves.



Elves are mythical creatures that come from Germanic and Norse mythology. The word 'elf' comes from the Old English 'ælf'', a short word for 'nightmare' or 'hiccup' (both were thought to be caused by elves).  In the past they have been portrayed as sinister in nature, often playing tricks on humans or assisting dark forces. But since Tolkien's days they've usually been depicted as peaceful, intelligent beings, possessing great magical powers. They're often associated with other magical creatures such as fairies.

D is for Dragons #atozchallenge

[ES Epic Dragon by Elevit-Stock on DA

Today I'm continuing with the Blogging from A-Z Challenge hosted by Arlee Bird and his team of awesome bloggers. My theme is: Elements and features of speculative fiction and entertainment. So throughout April I will be blogging about characters, objects and themes that appear in sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian series. Today's post is all about Dragons.


Dragons feature in the myths of many cultures, especially in European and Chinese traditions. They often have a spiritual significance. For example, in many Asian cultures dragons represent the primal forces of nature, religion and the universe, and are associated with wisdom and longevity. They are thought to have some form of supernatural power, and in some traditions are capable of human speech.